Sullivan in DAVOS: The American restrictions on chip exports to China are not a “blockade”.

According to the US National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, the restrictions on American exports of advanced chips to China are aimed at preserving national security rather than disrupting trade, following implied criticism from Beijing.

Sullivan stated at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Tuesday:

“I want to clarify that these specific measures do not constitute technological siege. They are not seeking to restrict trade and investment on a broader scale and are not actually doing so.”

He added that the US restrictions on semiconductors include:

“a wide-ranging cut-off of commercial chips, chips that can help enhance economic progress.”

“Simply put, our strategic competitors should not be able to exploit American technology to undermine our national security or the national security of our allies and partners.”

The Chinese Prime Minister, Li Qiang, criticized trade barriers as “discriminatory” in a speech at the forum on Tuesday, deeming them a threat to the global economy, which was clearly a reference to the American measures.

He pointed out that

“new discriminatory trade and investment measures” emerge every year and “any obstacles or hindrances that could slow down or halt the global economy wheel.”

He did not mention any countries by name, but Beijing has become embroiled in disputes with the United States and the European Union over trade in recent years, particularly regarding advanced technology and clean energy.